6 Music Legends Who Went Broke

Many music legends are known for crazy partying and wild living, along with their compelling way with a melody. What they have not always been known for — especially those from earlier generations — is successfully navigating their financial lives. Here are a few musicians who have filled our lives with song while sometimes dealing with empty bank accounts.

Jerry Lee Lewis

Known as “The Killer,” the “Great Balls of Fire” singer was famous for wild theatrics, making “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” an understatement as he played his piano like a man possessed, kicking over benches and slamming the keys with his feet. And as wild as he was on stage, he was wilder off. He courted controversy as a 22-year-old by marrying his 13-year-old cousin. By the late 1980s, Lewis, spurred on by trouble with the Internal Revenue Service and $3 million in debt, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

David Crosby

A legendary member of The Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash — and a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with both bands — Crosby wrote or co-wrote classic songs including “Wooden Ships,” “Eight Miles High,” “Long Time Gone” and “Guinnevere.” Back in 2003, Crosby estimated to Bankrate.com that he had earned — and burned through — around $25 million over the course of his career. READ MORE.